Limbach Holdings, Inc. Acquires Greensboro, NC – Based Specialty Mechanical Contractor Industrial Air, LLC

WARRENDALE, Pa.— November 2, 2023 — Limbach Holdings Inc. today announced the closing of the acquisition of Industrial Air LLC (IA), a specialty mechanical contractor based in Greensboro, N.C., for an initial enterprise value of $13.5 million in an all-cash transaction.

Transaction Highlights

  • IA provides environmental mechanical and air filtration solutions and custom air handling equipment to industrial customers, with a particular expertise in serving the mission critical needs of leading businesses in the textile industry.
  • Headquartered in Greensboro, IA establishes Limbach’s presence in a diversified and fast-growing geographic market from which the company can continue to expand in the industrial and institutional sectors.
  • IA’s business model aligns well with Limbach’s focus on executing on ODR opportunities and providing critical solutions to owners of sophisticated manufacturing and process facilities.
  • IA expects to contribute on average an estimated $30 million in revenue and $4 million in EBITDA annually.
  • Total consideration paid by Limbach at closing was $13.5 million (subject to typical working capital adjustments), sourced from available cash, with performance-based, contingent earn-outs totaling $6.5 million potentially being paid over the next two years.

Background on Industrial Air Inc.

Founded in 1964 and led by second generation President Allen R. Hunter Jr., IA serves industrial customers throughout the Southeast United States and along the Eastern Seaboard. IA focuses on delivering engineered air handling systems, including air condition and air filtration, along with controls systems and maintenance work.

Management Comments

Michael McCann, Limbach’s president and CEO, said, “As we continue to carve our path in the industry, our growth strategy unfolds through three critical pillars. We seek culturally compatible firms, encompassing small ‘tuck-in’ deals and larger opportunities that will enable us to enter new geographies as we look to fill out our footprint east of the Mississippi river. Acquiring IA presents an exciting frontier, allowing us to continue to complete acquisitions that meet our geographic expansion objectives. The Carolinas offer a growing and diversified market well-represented by leading companies operating mission-critical facilities within our six core verticals. Serving as an indispensable provider of mechanical solutions to textile and other industries, IA functions as a solutions expert in their niche market sector.

Additionally, IA’s ‘ODR-heavy’ model aligns seamlessly with our own, promising an exciting synergy. They have also demonstrated alignment with our culture, strong leadership, and unique strengths, all critical when acquiring a new firm. With the acquisition closing yesterday, we expect that IA’s impact on Limbach’s revenue and earnings in 2023 will be minimal. However, we anticipate a more substantial contribution in our full-year 2024 results. More generally, we continue to view the acquisition environment favorably and remain committed to executing additional transactions that meet our acquisition criteria.”

IA’s President Allen R. Hunter Jr. added, “After multiple generations of family ownership during which IA became a leading, solutions-oriented provider of mechanical services and fabricated equipment, we’re excited to join the Limbach family. I’m most excited about our firms’ cultural compatibility and Limbach’s intention to create long-term career opportunities for IA team members. In addition, we are looking forward to leveraging Limbach’s engineering and design capabilities and corporate services platform to maximize the opportunities in our market. I am looking forward to continuing to lead the IA business unit, and to growing our presence in mission critical markets.”

Posted: November 2, 2023

Source: Limbach Holdings, Inc.

LED Dress Fuses 3D Printing With Futuristic Fashion

MINNEAPOLIS — November 2, 2023 — High-tech Dutch fashion designer Anouk Wipprecht has unveiled a new futuristic 3D-printed dress that responds to its environment through LEDs. Created in collaboration with Chromatic 3D Materials, a 3D-printing technology company, the motion-activated design is among the first in the world to directly embed electronics within 3D-printed elastomers. Her creation highlights what the future of creative expression and social interaction may look like as humankind further integrates with technology. Wipprecht’s design will debut next week at Formnext, a 3D-printing event in Germany.

Photography by Natalie Cartz
Model Perpetua Sermsup Smith
Make-Up Artist Yaying Zheng

The partnership between Wipprecht and Chromatic showcases the synergy between fashion and technology. Her concept comes to life thanks to the ultrasonic sensors in the collar of the dress and about 75 flexible, 3D-printed LED domes with RGB lights built into the dress. The lighting can be customized with different colors, adapting to various moods and settings. The overall design has a dynamic visual effect while still being easy to wear, wash and maintain.

“My dress doesn’t just light up, she lights up the room by bringing smiles to people’s faces. As she senses those around her, her personality begins to shine as she interacts with them through LEDs. For me, it’s a glimpse into a future where people harness technology in positive and meaningful ways. I also see this garment as a testament to the quality of Chromatic’s 3D materials and printing technology. For designers like me who incorporate electronics into our creations, this is a unique way to embed and secure electronics within the printing process. Plus Chromatic’s materials are both flexible and strong, making this my most wearable — and washable — 3D-printed dress yet,” Wipprecht said.

While avant-garde, Wipprecht’s creation demonstrates the practical nature of pliable printable materials, a relatively new development in the world of 3D printing. Compared to the exoskeleton-like quality of other 3D-printed runway creations, her new dress can easily move because it is made with ChromaFlow™ 70, an extremely durable but flexible, rubber-like material known as an elastomer. Garments featuring 3D-printed elastomers still have drape, giving them commercial potential in ready-to-wear clothing, activewear and intimate apparel. Wipprecht’s dress also shows how 3D printing with Chromatic’s elastomers allows designers to print waterproof casing that protects embedded electronics.

“Our collaboration with Anouk is more than a partnership. It’s a vision coming to life. By merging her genius with our innovative 3D printing, we’re setting the precedent for the future of fashion. We are embarking on a journey that amplifies the boundless possibilities of integrating tech, textiles and apparel including wearable art and 3D-printed clothes that people can enjoy every day,” said Cora Leibig, founder and CEO of Chromatic 3D Materials.

The dress will be on display from November 7–10, 2023 at Formnext in Frankfurt, Germany at the Chromatic 3D Materials exhibit located at Hall 12.1, E110. For more details, visit www.c3dmaterials.com/led-dress.

Posted: November 2, 2023

Source: Chromatic 3D Materials

SaXcell And Birla Cellulose Sign Memorandum Of Understanding For Recycled Fiber Production To Accelerate Circularity

ENSCHEDE, Netherlands/PRADESH, India — November 2, 2023 — Textile recycling innovator SaXcell has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aditya Birla Group’s, Birla Cellulose, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of man-made cellulosic fiber.

The MoU paves the way for the expansion of collaboration between the two companies for production of recycled man-made cellulosic fibers. SaXcell’s textile waste pulping technology combined with Birla’s advanced wet spinning expertise results

in high quality sustainable “SaXcell” recycled fibers serving the circular textile needs of customers at commercial scale.

Commenting on the development, Erik van der Weerd, SaXcell’s CEO, highlighted that this collaboration fits SaXcell’s vision to set up a robust circular textile supply chain based on partnership and mutual commitment. He explains “to address today’s social and environmental challenges of the textile industry, global collaboration is imperative. We need to facilitate a change from a linear to a circular economy and we need to do it now. SaXcell’s and Birla’s combined innovation force and production power offers a great opportunity to create real impact.”

Commenting on this circularity and sustainability focussed collaboration, Dr. Aspi Patel, chief technology officer, Aditya Birla Group and Birla Cellulose, points out, ”Birla Cellulose is strongly committed to support innovators for expanding circular fiber offerings in the textile and non- woven value chain. We have been exploring innovative business models and partnerships, this collaboration is one such initiative, where we aim to help SaXcell leapfrog from pilot to commercial demonstration scale. Such partnerships will play an increasingly important role in accelerating circularity in global textile value chain.”

Posted: November 2, 2023

Source: SaXcell B.V. / Birla Cellulose of the Aditya Birla Group

The Microfibre Consortium And James Heal Team Up To Present First Public Demonstration Of Fibre Fragmentation Test

LONDON — November 2, 2023 — The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) has teamed up with specialist test instrument manufacturer James Heal to hold the first public demonstration of a test method for fiber fragmentation from fabric. The event took place during the Textile Exchange Conference, when delegates embarked on a field trip to King’s College, London, where they were shown the TMC Test Method in action, which utilizes James Heal’s Gyrowash to assist in measuring microfibers released from simulated domestic laundering.

The TMC Test Method was developed through a collaborative relationship between The University of Leeds, the European Outdoor Group and The Microfibre Consortium, as well as the larger stakeholder network, following many rounds of testing and validation within the industry.

PhD student Alice Hazlehurst, a researcher at The University of Leeds, who worked on an award-winning paper “Quantification of microfibre release from textiles during domestic laundering,” published in January 2023, demonstrated the TMC Test Method for over 40 delegates who were keen to learn more about fiber fragmentation testing and measurement.

Fiber fragmentation refers to the process where small quantities of fibers, often referred to as microfibers, are lost from textiles at various stages of a product’s lifecycle. Estimates suggest that between 6,490 and 87,165 metric tons of tiny fibers from natural and man-made textile sources, such as cotton and polyester, are released from UK domestic washing machines into the environment each year. These microfibers enter the environment through a number of pathways, such as through wastewater, soil and air.

Microfibers have a persistent nature and whilst their impacts are not yet fully understood, evidence is growing. Due to their shape and/or added chemicals, fiber fragments can cause harm when ingested by organisms, and have been found in humans. Academics from the IMPACT+ Network shared with delegates how the environmental impact of microfibers go under the radar as they are not currently considered in any life cycle assessments.

Created originally for testing color fastness in laundering fabrics and leather, the James Heal GyroWash was used in controlled laboratory testing throughout the research that led to the final TMC Test Method. This instrument is used in textile testing laboratories worldwide.

In attendance at the event, James Heal technical textiles specialist Helen Warburton commented: “As a company focused on innovation, we are delighted that a James Heal instrument, in this case the GyroWash, continues to be used in this groundbreaking research. We hope it will make a difference in helping the textile industry to recognise and reduce their impact on environmental pollution through relevant testing.”

Dr. Kelly Sheridan, research director of The Microfibre Consortium added, “It is fantastic to see so many delegates of Textile Exchange Conference 2023 actively engaged in the topic of fiber fragmentation. The Microfibre Consortium bridge the gap between academia and the industry. It is only through such science-led, industry aligned action that together we will be able to combat microfiber pollution to the environment.”

Posted: November 2, 2023

Source: James Heal

Aquapak Appoints Plastic Pollution Expert Steve Fletcher To Its Advisory Board

BIRMINGHAM, England — November 2, 2023 — Aquapak Polymers Ltd., which specializes in polymer-based material technologies that can deliver both performance and environmental responsibility at scale, has today announced the appointment of Steve Fletcher, professor of Ocean Policy and Economy at the University of Portsmouth, to its Advisory Board. Professor Fletcher is also Director of Revolution Plastics, the pan-university mission-driven research initiative to help end plastic pollution, and Director of the Global Plastics Policy Centre. He brings a wealth of expertise and relevant research interests to Aquapak’s Advisory Board, including the interconnected challenges of plastic pollution, and the transition to a just and sustainable blue economy which restores marine ecosystems while sustainably benefiting from ocean resources.

The Advisory Board provides advice and input to support Aquapak’s management team as they embark on an exciting phase of global growth and innovation. This includes identifying multiple applications for its Hydropol™ polymer technology. Developed and manufactured in the UK, Hydropol is soluble, non-toxic and marine safe. Products made with Hydropol are safe for existing recycling processes and are fully biodegradable, leaving no trace or harmful plastic pollution should they enter the environment.

Commenting on Professor Fletcher’s appointment, Mark Lapping, CEO, Aquapak, said: “We are very pleased that Professor Fletcher has joined our Advisory Board. His expertise in the impact of plastic pollution and the marine and freshwater environments is crucial as we bring Hydropol™ – which is non-toxic, marine-safe, and doesn’t form microplastics – to market.”

Professor Steve Fletcher said: “There is an urgent need to find solutions to the world plastics crisis. A global shift in our relationship with plastic is needed, that places an emphasis on reducing plastic pollution for the benefit of people and the planet, and which draws from industry, academia, policy makers and community working together. I look forward to working with the management team and Advisory Board members to help accelerate the development of the product portfolio and applications.”

Hydropol enables product design to provide its much-needed functionality whilst increasing recycling and reducing plastic pollution. When extrusion coated onto paper, Hydropol adds strength and barriers to oxygen, oil and grease, and its solubility allows 100-percent paper fiber recovery through paper recycling mills.

Posted: November 2, 2023

Source: Aquapak Polymers Ltd

Better Cotton Revolutionizes Cotton Sector With Traceability Solution

LONDON — November 2, 2023 — Better Cotton, a cotton sustainability initiative, has today officially launched a first-of-its-kind traceability solution for the fashion and textile sectors.

The solution has been developed over three years and will provide visibility of cotton’s journey through the supply chain by logging stakeholder input on the Better Cotton Platform.

The organization has worked closely with a network of member retailers and brands, including H&M Group, Marks & Spencer, Walmart, Target, Bestseller, Gap Inc. and C&A, to ensure that fashion companies can accurately trace and disclose the origin of raw materials, and comply with emerging regulations.

Companies are now increasingly expected to verify the origin of the raw materials within their products and leverage improved transparency to address the potential adverse effects of their activities on human rights and the environment.

Traceable Better Cotton will give member retailers and brands confidence that they are sourcing product from a specific country, and establish greater supply chain visibility, enabling them to incorporate insights into their own supply chain due diligence activities.

In the coming years, Better Cotton will scale the availability and sourcing granularity of traceable Better Cotton to:

  • Serve as the foundation for an Impact Marketplace that would compensate farmers for field-level progress;
  • Enable country-level Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to calculate the environmental impact of Better Cotton in relation to conventional cotton; and
  • Provide credible consumer and business-facing claims.

Traceable Better Cotton is defined as the “physical” Better Cotton within a cotton-containing product that has been tracked through the supply chain. It differs from Better Cotton’s long-standing Mass Balance Chain of Custody model, which tracks the volume of cotton produced and ensures this never exceeds the volume of cotton sold.

Better Cotton launched a Chain of Custody Standard earlier this year, outlining requirements that suppliers wishing to trade traceable cotton must comply with.

Using the Better Cotton Platform — operated by the software company ChainPoint — suppliers will log transactional information, culminating in visibility of where Better Cotton has originated from and how much is within a product. Traceability will span the cotton ginning stage right through to the retailer or brand.

Alan McClay, CEO, Better Cotton, commented: “Traceability at scale for cotton will drive a seismic shift within our industry’s supply chains. Better Cotton’s traceability solution is poised to help the industry deliver that shift. Never before has transparency been as imperative as it is now to our retail and brand members. We’re grateful to every organisation that has helped shape the development of the Better Cotton Platform and stand committed to its constant improvement.”

Katharine Beacham, head of Materials and Sustainability at Marks & Spencer, said: “At M&S, 100 percent of the cotton we source for our clothing comes from more responsible sources, however, across the industry the global supply chain remains particularly complex. Since 2021, we have been proud partners working with Better Cotton to improve the traceability of cotton and we’re delighted to be able to be part of this first-of-its kind solution which will enable us to track our cotton at scale along the supply chain.”

Posted: November 2, 2023

Source: Better Cotton

Borealis Expands Its Mechanically Recycled Plastic Compounding Capacity With Closing The Acquisition Of Rialti S.p.A.

VIENNA, Austria — November 2, 2023 — On June 30, 2023, Borealis announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire Rialti S.p.A., a polypropylene (PP) compounder of recyclates based in the Varese area of Italy, subject to regulatory approvals. Today, the parties announce the successful closing of the transaction.

RIALTI S.p.A aerial view

Rialti is one of the European market leaders specialized in production of sustainable polypropylene (PP) compounds with a focus on mechanically recycled PP feedstock from post-industrial and post-consumer waste. Based in the area of Varese, Italy, Rialti has over thirty years of experience. The company utilizes its annual capacity of 50,000 tons to make injection molding and extrusion PP compounds with applications in different industries, including automotive, appliances and construction.

The acquisition will bring significant expertise and capacity to Borealis, expanding its PP compounding business and, in particular, increasing its volume of PP compounds based on mechanical recyclates. The improved capacity will strengthen Borealis’ speciality and circular portfolios, enabling the company to meet customer demand for an ever-wider range of sustainable, high-performance solutions. By adding Rialti’s expertise in compounding of mechanically recycled PP to Borealis’ know-how and innovation leadership, we contribute to close the loop for a more circular economy. The move also represents a proof point of Borealis’ EverMinds™ commitment to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, and progress towards its ambitious targets.

“Mechanical recycling is a key component of our integrated circular cascade model, which is a cornerstone of our future-positive transformation and path to net zero. The acquisition of Rialti provides a vital expansion of our recyclate-based PP compound capacity, and marks another critical step on our path to reinventing essentials for sustainable living,” said Lucrèce Foufopoulos, Borealis executive vice president Polyolefins, Circularity and Innovation & Technology.

“Borealis is at the forefront of our industry’s mission to advance plastics circularity. With the closing of this transaction, I am pleased to see Rialti’s capacity and expertise contributing to this endeavor. I am convinced that Borealis and Rialti now look forward to a shared future of growth and innovation, ultimately enabling them to provide their customers with an even wider range of advanced PP compound solutions,” commented Massimo Dal Toso, CEO of Rialti.

Posted: November 2, 2023

Source: Borealis

Michelman Associates Volunteer Around The World On 12th Annual Commitment To Community Day

CINCINNATI — November 2, 2023 — Michelman held its 12th Annual Commitment to Community Day on October 13, 2023. More than 400 associates fanned out across the United States, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, China, India, and Singapore, volunteered their time and talents, and lent a helping hand to various charitable and non-profit organizations.

USA

In the United States, Michelman associates volunteered throughout the Greater Cincinnati area at locations including Brick Gardens, Brighton Center, YMCA Camp Ernst, Easterseals Redwood, Gorman Heritage Farm, Hopes Closet, People Working Cooperatively, Stepping Stones Ohio, The Barracks Project, and United Way. Associates participated in landscaping and gardening, general maintenance and clean-up work, sorting second-hand clothing, moving furniture, painting, assembling personal care kits for needy families, and even a little wood splitting!

Luxembourg

Associates from Michelman’s European locations in Windhof, Luxembourg, and Aubange, Belgium, volunteered at locations including Benu Village asbi, Commune de Montigny Sur Cheirs, Ecole fondamentale de l’Athénée Royal, Ecole Fondamentale Libre, Ecole Libre de Saint-Léger, Fondation Hellef fir d’Natur, Fondation Kraizbierg, La Petite Plante, UKRAЇNKA ASBL, and Wallonie Plus Propore.

Belgium

Volunteer efforts included painting, general clean-up, sorting library books, tree-trimming, gardening, replacing fencing, light construction, harvesting apples, and preparing medical equipment and supplies to be sent to hospitals in Ukraine.

China

Across Asia, Michelman volunteers from China volunteered at Jacharity, where they helped out in a Kangqiao nursing home, accompanying and caring for the elderly. Said one associate, “We played music, sang songs together, participated in exercise with the residents, and sent them love and warmth!” Jacharity is an organization that focuses on brain health and is committed to the prevention and early intervention of cognitive disorders.

Singapore

At the South West Community Development Council (CDC) in Singapore, associates distributed care packs containing food, coffee, and household items to local residents.

India

Michelman Associates in India volunteered at Dnyanmandir Primary School, spreading out across the campus, painting walls, planting saplings, and doing roof repair work. They also provided uniforms for students, purchased and installed playground items such as a see-saw and slide for the children, and purchased electronic equipment and school supplies.

Rick Michelman, president and CEO at Michelman, commented: “We created this special day in 2011 to put our core value of Giving into practice. I’m proud of our entire team of associates for embracing the spirit of the day and giving back to the communities in which we live and work. This year, volunteers participated in various activities at 23 locations in the USA, Europe, and Asia. The outreach, dedication, and energy put into this special day is inspiring.”

Posted: November 2, 2023

Source: Michelman

Trelleborg Showcases Latest Coated Fabrics at Healthcare Design Expo

TRELLEBORG, Sweden — November 1, 2023 — Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming Healthcare Design Expo, taking place November 5-7, 2023, in New Orleans, La.

The company will showcase its cutting-edge Dartex® polyurethane coated fabrics designed for medical seating applications at booth 1656. The expo will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to discover why polyurethane coated fabrics have become an indispensable component in modern healthcare environments.

As well as exhibiting, Trelleborg representatives will share their expertise during the conference by delivering a presentation titled ‘Engineered Coated Fabrics: Fit For Healthcare Environments’ at the Solutions Theatre on Monday, November 6, from 2.30 p.m. -3.00 p.m.

Polyurethane coated fabrics offer a multitude of advantages in healthcare seating applications, making them essential for healthcare facility design. These fabrics are engineered to provide exceptional durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance, all of which are vital for healthcare settings that demand hygienic, long-lasting, and comfortable seating solutions.

Christina Tenney, North America Business Development manager for Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming expo: “We are looking forward to participating in the Healthcare Design Expo and showcasing our innovative polyurethane coated fabrics.

These materials play a crucial role in creating healthcare spaces that prioritize patient comfort, cleanliness, and longevity. Our sustainable solutions are engineered to meet the stringent demands of healthcare environments, and we look forward to sharing their benefits with the expo attendees.”

The Healthcare Design Expo is a premier event, hosted by The Center for Health Design and Emerald Expositions, LLC, (publisher of Healthcare Design Magazine) in association with the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health, brings together leading professionals and innovators in the healthcare industry to explore the latest advancements in healthcare facility design and product offerings.

Visit Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics at booth 1656 during the Healthcare Design Expo in New Orleans to discover firsthand how these materials are transforming the healthcare seating landscape and contributing to improved patient experiences.

Posted: November 1, 2023

Source: Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics

Milliken & Company Launches OVIK Health

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — November 1, 2023 — Today, global diversified manufacturer Milliken & Company unveiled a new brand platform for its healthcare business. OVIK Health, as Milliken Healthcare Products LLC, will now be known, represents a new chapter for Milliken’s healthcare innovations — one that reflects its unique position in the marketplace and builds momentum for its portfolio of leading solutions the healthcare industry has come to depend on.

Global diversified manufacturer Milliken & Company unveiled a new brand platform for its healthcare business. Milliken Healthcare Products will now be known as OVIK Health. PRNewsfoto/Milliken & Company

“Launching OVIK Health marks a new era in our work to positively impact the healthcare industry,” shared Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company. “Through OVIK, we reaffirm our commitment to providing innovative healthcare solutions and open the door to future opportunities that can heal, protect and support patients.”

The rebranding begins today, with an expected completion date of December 1, 2023. Milliken Healthcare Products will transition to OVIK Health in all brand and visual instances; however, all current healthcare product names will remain the same. OVIK Health, as a subsidiary of Milliken & Company, will carry forward Milliken’s portfolio of wound and burn dressings, compression solutions, cohesive bandages, and tapes.

OVIK Health’s portfolio is defined by Milliken’s chemical and textile expertise and enhanced by Andover Healthcare’s cohesive and compression innovations, when Milliken formally acquired Andover Healthcare in 2019. Some of its most notable offerings include the proprietary Active Fluid Management® technology for wound dressings, the SelectSilver antimicrobial technology, and the EasyTear technology for cohesive and compression products. These offerings, along with Milliken’s entire line of healthcare innovations, will continue to be available under OVIK Health.

“When we entered the healthcare business in 2005 and acquired Andover Healthcare in 2019, we were guided by the desire to help improve patients’ lives globally with a range of superior products that are marked by dependability, ease-of-use, and innovative excellence,” added Shri Parikh, executive vice president of Milliken and president of OVIK Health. “That commitment does not change with the launch of OVIK Health. It unites us as a team of innovators with a single brand and clear mission of advancing healthcare technologies to improve patient care.”

Customers, suppliers and distributors can expect individual communications regarding the rebrand in the coming weeks. To learn more about OVIK Health, visit OVIKhealth.com.

Posted: November 1, 2023

Source: Milliken & Company

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